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This is different to the US, but in Europe a lot of people have smaller cars that aren't suitable for towing caravans. My family's only car can comfortable fit

by fyfy18 6y ago

This is different to the US, but in Europe a lot of people have smaller cars that aren't suitable for towing caravans. My family's only car can comfortable fit four people, but I don't have a tow bar (and the manufacturer doesn't recommend fitting one). And of course for most people it's much easier to drive a motorhome or campervan, than to drive a car with a caravan.

m463 6y ago
I think a cool invention would be a (not-very) autonomous electric trailer. Think of a full trailer - "a freight trailer supported by front and rear axles and pulled by a drawbar" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trailer_(vehicle)#Full_trailer https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trailer_(vehicle)#Full_trailer With something like this it could be "towed" by basically any kind of vehicle. It doesn't really have to be pulled or pushed, it could take hints from the vehicle in front. It might not even have to be attached, except maybe for legal or historical reasons. Another important point about rv-type travel is that you frequently need to be self-contained. A large battery could do double duty as propulsion and living. It would also be ideal for rooftop and/or awning solar panels. This setup would allow all the comforts of civilization without being hooked up to the grid, or even be near the grid. It could even pay for itself. Drive, then park for a few days and you get free power to go another hop.
- URSpider94 6y ago
  People have definitely been tossing this idea around - basically your micro-car could "tow" a 10-ton self-powered autonomous trailer that locks in on guide signals from the rear and drafts your car. Much, much simpler than true autonomous driving - you don't have to read road signs, watch out for cyclists crossing against the light, figure out how to handle a 6-way uncontrolled intersection, etc. You'd probably want some feedback to the lead vehicle to modulate acceleration and braking to match the capabilities of the trailer.

by fyfy18 6y ago

m463 6y ago

I think a cool invention would be a (not-very) autonomous electric trailer. Think of a full trailer - "a freight trailer supported by front and rear axles and pulled by a drawbar" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trailer_(vehicle)#Full_trailer https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trailer_(vehicle)#Full_trailer With something like this it could be "towed" by basically any kind of vehicle. It doesn't really have to be pulled or pushed, it could take hints from the vehicle in front. It might not even have to be attached, except maybe for legal or historical reasons. Another important point about rv-type travel is that you frequently need to be self-contained. A large battery could do double duty as propulsion and living. It would also be ideal for rooftop and/or awning solar panels. This setup would allow all the comforts of civilization without being hooked up to the grid, or even be near the grid. It could even pay for itself. Drive, then park for a few days and you get free power to go another hop.

URSpider94 6y ago
People have definitely been tossing this idea around - basically your micro-car could "tow" a 10-ton self-powered autonomous trailer that locks in on guide signals from the rear and drafts your car. Much, much simpler than true autonomous driving - you don't have to read road signs, watch out for cyclists crossing against the light, figure out how to handle a 6-way uncontrolled intersection, etc. You'd probably want some feedback to the lead vehicle to modulate acceleration and braking to match the capabilities of the trailer.